That's crazy. I can't take a picture of a friends business with a 333 and a pilots license but they can get some bloke with a drone a job and let him fly and do whatever they want without FAA oversight.

Do you folks listen to the podcast "AskDroneU" ? They do in-depth research of laws, FAA policies, and tangible black and white rules other than what "they" said. The short version, the FAA is a joke, there isn't a standing and there actually has not been a single FAA violation documented for a flyer doing commercial work without a 333. All of the FAA violations were released recently: The FAA Gave Us a List of Every Drone Pilot Who Has Ever Been Fined

Sage I feel the same way. I am not I a position to get slapped with a 25k fine, even though no one else has, because my luck would be id be the first. Ha!

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The other thing we need to keep in mind is that the FAA–and they have to know it too–is way behind on drone issues. 333's are still taking six months and I'm sure they'd rather be in a position of "one application in–one approval out." But here's my point: they know they are way behind the curve on enforcement issues too and I don't believe for a moment this is going to last.

Staff Member

There are actually a "few" cases where the FAA is "building" a case against illegal operators. They are slow in everything they do (understatement) but they are actively building their cases across the country. Here's one that has hit the mainstream media and worth watching:Minnesota Man Faces $55K in Fines After Flying Drone

I'm not saying he's right or wrong just sharing a link to an existing case.

I hate not being able to post a link so take it at that, but, on a recent podcast another 3 letter word, FCC, was mentioned regarding unlawful [unlicensed] radio equipment being used to aid in the violation of guidelines.

Keep your 'ears' open. If I can substantiate further or locate p-cast at some point in the future I will post it.

Staff Member

I hate not being able to post a link so take it at that, but, on a recent podcast another 3 letter word, FCC, was mentioned regarding unlawful [unlicensed] radio equipment being used to aid in the violation of guidelines.

Keep your 'ears' open. If I can substantiate further or locate p-cast at some point in the future I will post it.

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Does it regard controller modifications? I believe I've read that the "32 channel hack" violates FCC regs becuase those additional channels are legally off limits in the US. Hence why are not available without the workaround.

It would be my understanding that the primary mention of this on the p-cast was with regards to controller mods.
Any 'hack' who's very nature is to bypass or otherwise cancel gov't restrictions would also seemingly apply.

Do you folks listen to the podcast "AskDroneU" ? They do in-depth research of laws, FAA policies, and tangible black and white rules other than what "they" said. The short version, the FAA is a joke, there isn't a standing and there actually has not been a single FAA violation documented for a flyer doing commercial work without a 333. All of the FAA violations were released recently: The FAA Gave Us a List of Every Drone Pilot Who Has Ever Been Fined

There are actually a "few" cases where the FAA is "building" a case against illegal operators. They are slow in everything they do (understatement) but they are actively building their cases across the country. Here's one that has hit the mainstream media and worth watching:Minnesota Man Faces $55K in Fines After Flying Drone

I'm not saying he's right or wrong just sharing a link to an existing case.

Click to expand...

This article right here sums up PERFECTLY what a bunch of DUMB***** the FAA really is!! They go after people in hopes that they will settle. You get enough people to settle then the odds of continuing the harassment are in your favor!! Stop giving in!! Hire an attorney and fight it!!!

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